Legendary Zambian music act MC Wabwino has opened up about one of the most emotional moments in his music career, revealing how losing at the Ngoma Awards nearly broke him — but also helped shape him into the artist he became.
In a heartfelt post shared on Facebook titled “I Lost That Night… But Not My Fire,” the celebrated musician reflected on a time when his career was at its peak and he strongly believed he was destined to win.
“Opala Amama” Was Dominating Zambia
MC Wabwino recalled that in the months leading up to the awards, his hit song “Opala Amama” was everywhere and had become one of the biggest records in the country.
He said his music was tearing through the airwaves, while his performances were drawing massive crowds across Zambia.
“The shows? Packed. Every weekend, I was on the road from town to town across Zambia living the life I had prayed for,” he wrote.
London Performance Was a Career Highlight
The music icon also revealed that he had just returned from London, where he performed on the same stage with prominent Zambian artists including Ozzy, Petersen Zagaze, and the late music star Lily T.
He described the London experience as one of the most unforgettable highlights of his musical journey.
Ngoma Awards Nomination Raised Hope
MC Wabwino explained that after being nominated for the Ngoma Awards, he believed his time had finally arrived.
With excitement and confidence, he invited his friends and family to witness what he thought would be his “crowning glory.”
However, things did not go as expected.
“When the Names Were Called, Mine Never Came”
The award night ended in heartbreak for MC Wabwino after his name was never announced among the winners.
He described the moment as crushing, saying everything around him suddenly changed.
“But when the names were called mine never came. In that instant, everything changed. The noise faded. The lights dimmed. And I felt invisible,” he wrote.
Credit Given to Loyal Friend Who Stayed
MC Wabwino also highlighted how disappointment revealed who truly cared, praising his close friend John Chikatimuli Phiri, whom he described as his former roommate from Copperbelt University.
He said while others moved on, John stood by him and helped him face the pain and silence.
“That Moment Didn’t Define Me… It Refined Me”
Despite the heartbreak, the veteran artist said losing that night taught him an important lesson — that awards do not determine a musician’s true greatness.
He said the loss pushed him to work harder and build a stronger legacy.
“That moment didn’t define me. It refined me,” he stated.
MC Wabwino Says His Music Still Wins
The “Proper Love” hitmaker noted that years later, his songs such as “Opala Amama,” “Proper Love,” “Enipa,” “PHD” and many others from his catalogue continue to resonate with fans and remain alive in Zambian music culture.
He emphasized that a setback is never the end of the journey.
“One loss is not total failure. One setback is not the end of your story. We rise. We fight again. We conquer,” he wrote.
“Real Diamonds Are Recognized Later”
MC Wabwino ended his message with encouragement, saying some greatness is not immediately recognized, but eventually shines brighter with time.
“Sometimes, the real diamonds aren’t recognized immediately — they’re discovered much later and shine even brighter,” he concluded.
His post has since attracted praise from fans and fellow artists, many describing it as a powerful reminder to stay strong through disappointment and continue pushing forward.
